It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

Yes, I know Halloween isn’t over with yet, but I’m on the hunt for items and craft projects to decorate my bedroom in Pink for Christmas this year.

This week I found at Home Goods an adorable little ballerina outfit as my first ornament.

I’m sure there are many of us who remember the smalle carboard village buildings that were covered with glitter. They have been making a comeback in recent years. I was able to find one in pink and it’s in a much larger size than what I remember. Hope I can find more – if not I’ll have to get some posterboard and make some of my own.

As Bev has asked us to do, I’ve selected a blog to feature here from the list of those I may not have visited – or one I haven’t visited in a long while. I selected a new blog from this week. It’s Jen’s J. Nichelle Holiday because of the wonderful pink ornaments in her header and the perfect pink Christmas ornament frame she created.


Have a happy Pink Saturday – and if you know of any Christmas crafts that would fit in with my Pink-themed bedroom let me know by leaving a link in the comments. Thanks!

The other day when my studio was in what might be called its most organized state I thought I’d take some pictures. Just ignore the bookcase. lol I never do seem to be able to keep my magazines and books in order.

After seeing pictures of Bev’s gorgeous office/studio over at How Sweet The Sound – look for the link to it along the right column – I’m going to see about doing something similar to my studio with stock cabinets. My son had a desk built into one of the closets in his condo using two stock cabinets and a stock counter top. And I would really like to build shelves into the closet. So many plans.

Anyway, here’s what it looks like now:

The above pictures show one corner of the studio. The door is on the wall opposite the window. On the table on the right I have my main working area where I do jewelry design, work on my original dolls, and eventually I plan to get into doing more polymer clay work. On the table on the left is one of my pretty Tiffany-like lamps, a radio/CD player, and a table top oven for the polymer clay. I think it’s important not to use your kitchen oven when working with polymer clays. Eventually that oven will most likely be moved to a small nightstand so I don’t cover up so much of my window with it. The curtains come from Country Curtains and are called Kitchen Garden Tiers.

It took forever to come up with the right color for the walls. I wanted a very nice and sunny yellow since this is a north facing window and never gets any sun at all. So I thought I’d provide my own. Course, the true color doesn’t show up in any of the pictures. But you get the idea.

The lamp on the table on the right side is an Ott light. I’ve now got three of them in that room that I got from Joann’s. I got them all for 50% off by watching their sales and also getting their weekly flyer. I have an Ott floor lamp in my “Day Room.” I love the light they produce.

As you can see I’ve got a tv and a DVD player. I wanted this so I could watch my craft CD collections while at a place where I can work. This way I can watch the video, pause it when I need to, and then start it up to continue. I’ve also got a way to hook up my laptop in the studio so I can watch You Tube video tutorials.

The above pictures are of the area where I do my machine embroidery. It’s directly accross from the area where I do my main work as shown in one of the first pictures.

Eventually shelves will go up over the table – unless I do put in stock cabinets which would be nice so all the thread, stabilizer, etc. would have a nice place to live. Though it is nice to have everything I need right there on the table. My embroidery machine is a Deco 600 that I purchased about 10 or so years ago. Now that I’ve finally figured out how to do simple things I’m going to start working on sections to be placed into a quilt. Will keep track of my progress on the blog once I start.

This is the area next to the door and opposite the window. The table is a harvest table, unlike the others that are folding tables. I’ve had this table for over 30 years and just love it for sewing since it’s very deep. My sewing machine is also about 30 years old, but it’s a Viking and still sews pretty darn well. I may think about getting a new machine, but for now this one works just great after getting a good cleaning and tune up.

I got all the baskets (on sale) at Michaels. They hold patterns, fabric, CDs, and misc. The boxes on the shelves are photo boxes that contain paint, embroidery thread, etc.

I really love this room. It’s only 10′ x 10′ so is a pretty tiny room but has lots crammed into it. I still have what used to be the Master bedroom to finish up as my “Day room” and may move my jewelry making into there since it seems to want to take over all the studio with box after box to keep the parts seperate. Then the area over by the tv can be completely devoted to dollmaking and clay work.

Oh, and one last picture. The rocker sits in the corner with a Vermont Teddy Bear I got from son a few years ago for Mother’s Day. Quite fitting since this was the rocker I bought to go in his nursery when he was born over 30 years ago. The little basket on the rocker really belongs on the embroidery machine table. Guess it wanted to get in the picture since it would have been covered up by the embroidery machine in the other pictures.

Thank you for visiting!

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

Once again I’m posting pictures of one of my Debi Coules creations. This is a vintage wooden plaque that features an artist on a hillside painting a scene of sail boats on a lake. The plaque is about two feet long. I’ve included a picture of the whole plaque and then the two sides. Debi does some of the most beautiful roses.

For this week’s “New To Me” I’ve selected one of the new participants at Pink Saturday. The site is Shabby Chic Diva’s Pink Corner where Winona shows that she definately has a passion for all things pink! I love the Desert Rose dinnerware!

Until next time – Have a fantastic Pink Saturday!

Sandra

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

I went out this morning to do a bit of shopping. It had been awhile since I’d been to Home Goods so decided to head over there. I kept thinking – you don’t need another teapot or ceramic bowl or crystal candlestick. I was just about to forget about going into the store when I realized – I had been thinking of something I needed – a nice plush blanket just for me. My son’s chihuahua Bootsy, who spends most weekdays with me while Dave is at work, tends to take ownership of all afghans, comforters, and blankets. He’s even been known to take his 5% of the bed right out of the very center. Anyway, I thought I’d check in to see what they had. So, I made my way to the linens area – after going through all ceramic and glass aisle. I found a lovely pink twin blanket that is as soft as any other blanket we have in the house. I thought it was just so pretty all wrapped up with the satin white ribbon that I’d take a picture of it for Pink Saturday.

I need to wash it – can’t stand any kind of sizing in material, and then I think I’ll put it on the chaise in my “dayroom” – which I really hope to have done by the end of August.

Thank you for stopping by and for all the wonderful comments so many of you leave.

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

I’m doing my own kind of Garage Sale – I’m going through the dozen or so tubs I’ve had sitting in my own garage for over a year. It’s about time to get the stuff into the condo. Now if I could just find the hutch I’ve been looking for to put in my living room for all my “stuff.”

Here’s one of the things I rediscovered, a beautiful compote with pretty pink roses painted on it.

Happy Pink Saturday to all!

Cindy, from one of my favorite blogs, is having a Giveaway Party at her blog today – My Romantic Home.

For my first time taking part in Cindy’s Giveaway Party I’m offering a handpainted metal tub that I purchased some years ago on eBay. The tub is about 15″ wide, 5″ tall, and 4″ across. This would be perfect to put small pots with plants or even herbs into. Or it can be used to store items on a desk or maybe to keep a pad of paper and some pens near the phone.

In redecorating after my remodel I’m finding that I bought a lot of “oh that’s so cute and I know just where to use it” type of items. Only problem is I bought some items that had already had their “spot” taken up by something else.

This really is a very pretty tub and I know anyone who likes Romantic or Country type of decorating could give it a new home.

To participate just leave a comment with a way for me to get in touch with you. The Giveaway ends on Saturday at midnight Central Time. On Sunday, June 14, I’ll have my son draw a number from a hat (or bowl if he isn’t wearing a hat) and that will be the number of the post that wins. Then Sunday night I’ll post the winners name.

A special thanks to Cindy for having this giveaway. If you came to my blog through another means, please visit Cindy’s My Romantic Home blog for some spectacular decorating ideas and more.

Thank you for stopping by and I hope you’ll take a look around my blog and see if there’s anything else that interests you.

I’m sorry, but this item is only open to those in the US and Canada.

Sandra

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

It’s been a busy week. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I realize that if I don’t do it – no one will do my decorating. I did get my son to come over and help a bit last weekend and I hope to be able to get him to help me put up drapes and curtains this weekend.

The first set of photos is of a small vignette that I set up in my kitchen. I used to have a big ole clunky counter top oven in this area – the kind that’s bigger than a toaster oven. I never really used it anymore so decided it was time it could go live somewhere else and if I need it I can dig it out again.

I have a small two cup tea maker that was hiding out in the corner – so I wanted to make it more accessable. There’s also a plate that has a clock in it that my son gave me that I wanted to show off. Then I made a trip to Home Goods and got an adorable small teapot, a tea cup with a lacey saucer, and a small basket with a sweet bird on the handle. In the basket I’ve put a few bags of tea. I thought I had some Constant Comment, but couldn’t find it. Mostly I use loose tea in the teamaker, but didn’t want to put that out in the “display.” And, to keep in the spirit of Pink Saturday one of the quilt placemats I had in another post is making an appearance in its new home.

And now for another of my ongoing projects – my bedroom.

When I remodeled my condo I decided to put my bedroom in the second room and keep the bigger bedroom for what I call my “dayroom.” It has my computer desk, a big lounge chair, and right now way too much “stuff.” So, I have to take one room at a time, and right now it’s my bedroom. I hope to have photos of the third bedroom in a week or so – it’s my craft/sewing/embroidery room.

I purchased this bedding set almost three years ago and finally got it all ironed and ready to go. I do need Dave to help me put up the curtains and valance. I *thought* I’d ordered the quilt but ordered the bedspread – so – under the bedspread is a dust ruffle. I didn’t figure out what a mistake I’d made until we had the dust ruffle on. But, I’m really happy I got the bedspread because of the gathers around the edge. Also, I can now take the dust ruffle off and I’ve got lots of material to make other things – like maybe a few more pillows.

I took a lot more pictures but took them late at night, so will see if I can get some additional ones on Saturday morning. If not, then I will take more before next week. I hope to have more things done in the room – like curtains up (did I say that before?) and maybe even get a picture or two up. I plan to paint the small dresser white. It’s my son’s dresser from when he was a baby, so is kinda special.

I thought you might like to see how the room progresses as I finally get the bedroom I’ve always wanted.

Thank you for stopping by!

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

It’s been years and years since I did any quilting, and then it was only a Dresden Plate kit that had all the pieces cut for me. I made the top but never did turn it into anything. It was all yellows and light orange and it just didn’t go with any of my rooms. I’m not even sure how I got it. lol

Recently, I started recording craft and sewing shows from my cable company and got the idea I’d like to give quilting a try again. So, I got my trusty old Viking, a 5610, that I purchased when I moved into my condo (25 years this August) and it’s been a great machine, and set things up in my studio. Also, I’m working on turning some of my artwork into embroidery patterns, many of which I’d like to use in pillows. Well, to make a long story short, I figured I needed to refresh my sewing skills – and since I had watched a Sewing With Nancy series on Quilting with Confidence and I had a 40% off coupon at JoAnn’s – well, might as well get the book, some fabric, and see what I could come up with.

I tend to be a perfectionist so when I saw my crocked seams and other issues I wasn’t very happy. But, after talking with a friend I realized it’s because I didn’t have the correct tools. So, JoAnn’s is having a fantastic sale this weekend with everything that I need to add to my studio/sewing room on sale for at least 40% off. I know where I will be for a good part of Saturday.

So, below are the two placemats I managed to get done this week. I’m only able to sit at the sewing machine for an hour at a time but I hope the longer I do this the more time I can spend in the studio. I need to tie the placemats with floss – I’ll pick that up tomorrow.

I will get better. I’ve taught myself all types of embroidery, how to sculpt and make original dolls, I’ve conquered Heirloom sewing – so I think I should be able to make an accurate four patch next time.

Thank you so much for stopping by and have a very Happy Pink Saturday. On this Memorial Day weekend, let’s remember those who gave so much for our freedom.

Today I’m featuring the items I’ve got on the smaller sideboard in my dining room. This one sits between the entrance to the kitchen and one of the walls in my living room. I love the wallpaper even though it’s almost 25 years old. When I had the remodeling done on my condo it’s the one thing I wouldn’t part with. It was freshened up with crown moulding and some white paneling and a chair rail.

The handpainted items (tray, enamelware bowl, candleholders) were done by my friend Debi Coules – a very talent artist and you’ll see lots of her work in my home. I purchased the antique linen from eBay.

This weekend I went to one of my favorite antique stores. They moved from their location downtown to a wonderful place up on the north side. Their new shop is located in a previous furniture store and they have about five times as much space. So many more “pretties” to chose from.

When I saw this glass vase I just knew I couldn’t pass it up. I think it’s Fenton, but I’m not sure. I’ll keep doing some searching and see if I can find out. It really doesn’t matter, though, since I like it and it’s my perfect colors. I’ve got another vase packed away that I hope to come across soon and I’ll see how close the colors are. This round vase will be placed on the top of my curio cabinet with the vase I know is Fenton. As soon as I get the curio cabinet stuff out of the garage (was there while the condo was remodeled) I’ll take some pictures – lot of pictures.

Hope you have a wonderful Blue Monday!

It’s Pink Saturday again at Cottage Dreamer! Thanks to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for once more hosting this fun day of sharing all things Pink!

Last week I posted pictures of the wreath I have on my kitchen table. I did go out last Saturday and got a pink candle to go in the center to replace the green one I had in there before. It’s a very pretty pink candle that has a wonderful fresh spring floral scent. The candle is much more pink that it appears in this photo.

When I walked into HomeGoods I was greeted by a display that featured the following bunny. I just couldn’t resist it. I love Dana’s blog The Stone Rabbit and wanted to add this Stone Bunny to my home.

My Bunny is currently trying out different locations in my home to see where he’d like to live. Right now he’s sitting next to the fireplace in the living room, but he’s not quite sure it’s the perfect place for him. I do know he wasn’t happy to be sitting under the small table I have close to the entry. He felt like he wasn’t part of the action. lol

While taking pictures in the kitchen I took a few of the painted plaque I have on the top of my hutch. I’ll post them here, but I may take in down to get better shots of it and post them sometime later. This plaque is another one of my Debi Coules collection.

And lastly, I’ve been slowly going through the boxes of stuff that I stored out in the garage when my remodeling was done. This week’s finds included this handpainted cake stand:

Once again, thank you for stopping by and sharing this Pink Saturday with me at Cottage Dreamer and a Happy Mothers Day!